Only a few days back, RUF published for the first time the full clip of Yellowbird circling the Nordschleife. Afterwards, Yellowbird became the stuff of legend and did wonders for the visibility of RUF.

Many years later, it’s still entrancing to watch. The courage and skill the driver demonstrates, still awe us all. Just notice the crazy angles he applies to the wheel in trying to manhandle the beast !

I bet that any modern 900hp-plus hybrid/phev/ice hypercar is easier to handle round the Ring than the CTR’s puny 400hp were at the time.

When it comes to tuners (I would call it an improver) in the Porsche world, nothing comes really close to RUF. The amount of detail, testing and thinking that goes to into their cars is mind blowing. For that reason, the german authorities consider them as an automobile manufacturer, enabling them to put their own VIN in their cars. Below, the story of RUF as told by its founder is addictive and charming as his strong passion for cars, and Porsches in particular, comes across quite strongly.

RUF history part I –
RUF history part II –
RUF history part III –
RUF history part IV –

One of his greatest icons / achievements was the original CTR aka “Yellowbird”, for years the fastest, street legal, production car.

This was followed years later by the CTR2, based on a 993.

And, quite recently, by the CTR3. This was almost a complete new car mostly made by RUF (Ok, all the front end and windshield was still 997). But rearward it was all new and comprising a mid-engine configuration and 2 seat layout.

But there’s also the recent RGT8, with an in-house designed and built V8, shoehorned were the flat6 would be and still remaining a 2+2 seater !

There’s the recent RT35 edition, built to commemorate 35 years of RUF, this one already based on the new 991. Love the metallic military green !

There’s the Roadster, strongly inspired by the early Targas, which might come to have an electric variant.